Spence wins second premiership 13 years after first
Josh Spence won his second premiership with Barnawartha after battling broken leg, split kidney, knee injury and cracked rib.
Josh Spence finally won his second premiership at the weekend, 13 years after captaining the Tigers to the flag in 2013. The veteran midfielder has endured brutal injuries since 2022: a broken leg that required a steel plate, a split kidney in 2024, a knee injury in 2025, and a cracked rib in the final round.
Despite missing the second semi-final and preliminary final, Spence returned for the grand final and kicked three goals. One was a stunning 40-metre effort from the boundary.
When the final siren sounded, he burst into tears. He and fellow veteran Tom Anson were the only two players remaining from Barnawartha's 2013 side.
- 13
- Years between premierships
- 3
- Goals in grand final
- 7
- Best and fairests won
- 2022
- Broken leg year
Why it mattersA player who nearly lost his football to injury finds redemption and vindication after years of setbacks.
AustraliaLocal footy community celebrates veteran player achieving what once seemed impossible.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 d ago
